Training material for extension advisors in irrigation water management Volume 1: Main Report

Expanded Title:

It is generally recognised that extensionists provide the link between research output and solving the perceived problems which farmer’s experience. All types of farmers, but specifically smallholder farmers, are dependent on extension services as a source of information and knowledge. Discussion forums organised by the Water Research Commission in all provinces between 2000 and 2003, in which a wide range of farmers participated, have highlighted that the extension link has deteriorated in recent years and become less effective.
In 2005 a consultancy project was undertaken for the WRC to establish a database of extensionists who are active on smallholder irrigation schemes in South Africa. In that process it was also determined that the current level of training presented by tertiary organisations to extension workers for the tasks they have to perform on irrigation schemes is inappropriate in the majority of cases. The outcomes of this consultancy project formed the basis for the solicited research project. The aim for this project is to develop and interactively test learning material for the capacitating of extensionist in the promoting of efficient use of irrigation water by smallholder farmers.
The main output of this research project was the development of the learning material for the eight learning areas that were identified to form the “knowledge profile” of the irrigation extensionist. The aim of the learning material is to support tertiary training organisations like agricultural colleges and universities of technology offering agricultural programs on a NQF level 5, as well as the supporting of training providers offering short courses in irrigation management. The learning package consisting of nine parts is aimed to help build the necessary skills and competencies required of irrigation extensionists to assist irrigation farmers in the learning process they need to undergo regarding irrigation water management.
It is recommended that the outcomes of this project should be marketed and disseminated to all relevant tertiary and private training organisations in the country for future practical training on various aspects of irrigation water management. This will ensure addressing the lack of competency amongst extensionists, and restore their credibility and self-esteem towards the rendering of a professional service to irrigation farmers.

Date Published:

02/10/2012

Document Type:

Research Report

Document Subjects:

Agricultural Water - Small holder irrigation

Document Format:

Report

Document File Type:

pdf

Research Report Type:

Technical

WRC Report No:

TT 539/12

ISBN No:

978-1-4312-0335-2

Authors:

Stevens JB; Van Heerden PS; Buys F; Laker MC

Project No:

K5/1649

Originator:

WRC

Organizations:

Department of Water Affairs, Forestry and Fisheries; University of Pretoria